“Cam Skattebo listed as the top running back with Tyrone Tracy Jr. OR Najee Harris OR Devin Singletary next,” the insider stated on X. Only a few days remain until the G-Men’s season opener against the Dallas Cowboys, and it remains to be seen what decision John Harbaugh will make regarding the situation.

Najee Harris’ physical condition puts him in good shape for Week 1, although his role remains uncertain. As the days go by, the coaching staff will make a final call on who will serve as Skattebo’s backup in the running game.

Skattebo’s return to the field

Cam Skattebo’s comeback for the 2026 season has been nothing short of a miracle. The RB saw his breakout rookie year abruptly crushed back in Week 8 of the 2025 season against the Philadelphia Eagles.

During the second quarter, he suffered a horrifying right ankle injury—a dislocation paired with a fractured fibula and torn ligaments—when his leg got caught awkwardly under a tackle. It was such a painful and devastating blow that he even admitted to contemplating retirement during the early weeks of his brutal rehabilitation.

What decision will Harbaugh make?

Heading into SNF, John Harbaugh has a versatile toolbelt to complement Cam Skattebo in the backfield, with each RB2 candidate offering a distinct flavor for the Giants’ offense. Tyrone Tracy Jr. brings explosive dual-threat ability as a former wide receiver, giving Harbaugh a dynamic passing-down weapon who can stretch the defense in space.

Najee Harris gives the offense a bruising 240-pound power runner built for short-yardage and goal-line situations, fitting Harbaugh’s preference for heavy, physical backs. Meanwhile, Devin Singletary serves as the steady veteran who knows the system inside out, offering high-level pass protection and dependable baseline execution.

Any of these three options appear to be efficient and more than capable for Harbaugh. Depending on how the game against America’s Team unfolds, Giants’ coaching staff, alongside Matt Nagy, will make the final decision.

“There’s a good chance Patrick [Mahomes] will start. Most likely, he’ll be the guy that’s out there,” the head coach said per ESPN‘s Nate Taylor. Reid also added that Kahlil Benson would replace Simmons at left tackle if No. 71 is unavailable.

There is little time left until the Chiefs make their debut, as a team that dominated the NFL and defined an era in recent years looks to bounce back. Unfortunately, their last campaign was a disappointing one, not only because of injuries but also due to their results on the field.

Mahomes is ready to return to the field

The Chiefs’ failure to reach the postseason last season may have been due not only to their decline in performance, but also to the brutal injury Mahomes suffered in December 2025. During a game against the Los Angeles Chargers, the quarterback tore his ligaments, underwent surgery, and faced a lengthy rehabilitation process.

To preserve his health and ensure he would be in optimal condition for the season’s first game, Andy Reid made the final decision to keep Mahomes out of preseason action. Justin Fields and Garrett Nussmeier split playing time in the games against the Los Angeles Rams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Seattle Seahawks.

Protecting Mahomes

Protecting their biggest star could be one of the keys for Kansas City Chiefs. While they await a potential recovery from Josh Simmons, these would be the main players responsible for keeping Mahomes from taking hits against the Broncos.

• RT Jaylon Moore
• RG Trey Smith
• C Creed Humphrey
• LG Kingsley Suamataia
• LT Josh Simmons

Khalil Benson, who could replace Simmons if he is unable to play, has Reid’s full support: “We try to play the five best guys,” the HC said, via ESPN. “We’re comfortable with Kahlil on either side and he’s been [practicing] the left side. He’s doing a nice job with it. If he has to be the left tackle, he’s the left tackle and we roll with it. That’s how that goes.”

A schedule that has fans dreaming big

Becoming a contender in this league often depends on having a favorable schedule, not only on the road but also on being able to protect home field. Beyond the difficult season opener, these are the upcoming games the Chiefs will have to navigate to make their mark in the AFC.

• Week 2, vs Indianapolis Colts (September 20)
• Week 3, at Miami Dolphins, (September 27)
• Week 4, at Las Vegas Raiders, (October 4)
• Week 5, Bye Week
• Week 6, vs Los Angeles Chargers (October 18)

“I’ve always thought Baltimore outcoached them since he had been the coach there. I had a funny feeling when he got there with the Giants, knowing we face him 2 times a year. He’s an outstanding coach,” Jones said on the 105.3 The FAN show.

Jones and Harbaugh are two figures with a long history in this league, and mutual respect is evident despite the fact that they will be on opposite sidelines next Sunday at MetLife Stadium. Will the head coach once again put America’s Team against the ropes?

Harbaugh’s record against the Cowboys

Since taking over as an NFL head coach with the Baltimore Ravens in 2008, John Harbaugh has held a 4–1 record against the Dallas Cowboys. His only loss came back in 2016, but outside of that setback, he has consistently gotten the best of America’s Team.

He picked up head-to-head victories in 2008, 2012, 2020, and most recently in Week 3 of the 2024 season, when Baltimore held off a late Dallas rally to secure a 28-25 win. Next Sunday, he will have a chance to improve on those numbers, this time at the helm of the Giants.

All set for the debut

The wait is finally over for fans, and now it’s time to get ready for the debut of these two NFC East powerhouses. The confirmation that Malik Nabers is virtually set to play for the Giants puts even more pressure on Brian Schottenheimer, who will have another reason to worry.

MetLife Stadium will be dressed to the nines for this highly anticipated divisional matchup, with both teams looking to start their campaigns with a winning record. Will the G-Men capitalize on home-field advantage, or will the Cowboys pull off the upset and defy the predictions?

“I’m excited what he has to do with us this year and in coming years, and I emphasize that, in coming years,” Jones revealed via The Athletic‘s Jon Machota. That said, the Cowboys owner made it clear that Pickens will have to continue performing at the highest level: “The better he plays, the better it is for him.”

The start of the 2026 NFL season will put Pickens head-to-head against Greg Newsome in a highly anticipated Sunday Night Football matchup between the Cowboys and the New York Giants. The wide receiver will face a major test to prove that he can remain with the franchise for many years to come.

What is Pickens’ contract situation?

Pickens is locked into playing the 2026 NFL season on a one-year, $27.3 million franchise tag with the Cowboys. Since the July 15 deadline passed without a multi-year extension being locked down, Dallas legally can’t offer him a long-term deal until after the regular-season finale in January 2027.

Pickens is coming off a monster 2025 campaign where he dropped 1,429 receiving yards and nine touchdowns, but with CeeDee Lamb already on a massive contract, the Cowboys‘ front office has openly admitted that fitting both wideouts under the cap long-term is going to be a massive financial riddle to solve.

Jones remains positive about Von Miller’s arrival

Starting a new NFL season requires not only talent, but also experienced players who can help navigate the challenges that come along the way. The Cowboys managed to acquire the services of Von Miller, and Jerry Jones himself is confident that the veteran pass rusher will put up very good numbers this season.

“I’m excited about what he can do, and I think he’ll really be in a position to really have some serious numbers out there. I’m glad we got him,” Jones firmly stated to the press.

Von Miller has already made it clear that he plans to help the Cowboys wherever he is needed, bringing the kind of veteran presence that could prove highly valuable to the team. It remains to be seen what role the coaching staff ultimately gives him once the ball gets rolling.

“It sounds like [Malik Nabers is] going to be good to go for Sunday night,” the ESPN reporter revealed on Get Up. The updated WR depth chart following Darius Slayton’s release has Nabers listed as the No. 1 receiver and one of Jaxson Dart’s primary targets, and everything points to that being the case on Sunday at MetLife Stadium.

The Giants’ decision on cutting Slayton also appears to have moved Odell Beckham Jr. up the pecking order, further strengthening an elite passing attack under John Harbaugh. Clearly, Nabers has made a favorable recovery from his injuries and should be available to coaching staff from the very first snap.

A matchup stealing all the headlines

The temperature is starting to rise ahead of this matchup, as the Cowboys already have the New York Giants in their crosshairs and are eager to come away with a victory on their trip to the East Coast. The first Sunday Night Football game of the season will feature two NFC contenders, and whichever team comes out on top will clearly get its campaign off to a strong start.

Around 82,000 people are expected to attend this highly anticipated matchup, which will feature several intriguing one-on-one battles, including the showdown between Greg Newsome and George Pickens. Which of these two teams will ultimately come away with the victory?

The season opener beyond Dallas

While securing a victory over America’s Team will be crucial for the Giants in their season opener, a series of challenges also awaits them beyond that matchup. These are the upcoming games that Harbaugh and his players will have on their schedule after facing the Cowboys:

• Week 2, at Los Angeles Rams (September 21)
• Week 3, vs Tennessee Titans (September 27)
• Week 4, vs Arizona Cardinals (October 4)
• Week 5, at Washington Commanders (October 11)
• Week 6, vs New Orleans Saints (October 18)

“Tyler Smith’s a great player, but we feel really confident in T.J., and he’s put great film on here,” the head coach said via the official team’s website. “He’s played next to Cooper Beebe, he’s played next to [Tyler] Guyton, so that’s nothing new, the communication and all that stuff…”

Schotty also added: “We tendered him the way we tendered him because we trust this guy as a football player. He’s a damn good football player that unfortunately is just playing behind a lot of really, really good players. So we have great confidence in T.J.“

Oftentimes, a player’s position on the depth chart doesn’t necessarily reflect their talent. That much is clear to Brian Schottenheimer, who has full confidence in Bass to replace Smith as one of Dak Prescott’s key protectors.

Protection guaranteed for Dak Prescott

The Giants will go all out in an attempt to slow down Dak Prescott, one of the league’s top quarterbacks during the 2025 season. However, they will have to contend with an immense talent standing in their way, ready to give everything he has to protect his QB.

Tyler Guyton will line up as the starting left tackle, alongside the previously mentioned left guard, T.J. Bass. Cooper Beebe will take over at center, with Tyler Booker at right guard and Terrence Steele at right tackle.

Brass’ numbers since entering the NFL

T.J. Bass went undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft coming out of Oregon, but the Cowboys snapped him up right away as an undrafted free agent—and he’s been a total steal for their interior offensive line ever since. Over his first three seasons in Dallas, he played in 48 regular-season games, earning 10 starts while logging over 1,000 offensive snaps and proving to be an amazingly reliable backup across both guard spots and center.

He’s even made history as one of only two undrafted offensive linemen in Cowboys history to appear in that many games over their first three years in the league.

“Oh, he’s going out there. Whatever you want to say, he’s going. He’ll be there. We’re not hiding that,” the defensive coordinator said, via Harrison Rich of the San Francisco Chronicle.

The Bay Area team’s season opener will be anything but easy. Not only will they face one of the teams that has made the strongest additions this offseason, but unfortunately, they also enter the matchup without their best physical condition at several key positions on the roster.

Bosa is a cornerstone of San Francisco’s defense, and it will be crucial for him to maintain the elite level of play that has established him as one of the league’s top defenders. Will he be able to make an impact from the very first snap when the ball gets rolling in Melbourne?

What injury has been plaguing Bosa?

It was a huge blow for the 49ers back in Week 3 of the 2025 season, when Nick Bosa tore the ACL in his right knee during a matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. He planted his foot awkwardly while rushing the passer in the middle of a play, immediately going down in obvious pain and needing help to leave the field.

An MRI confirmed the dreaded season-ending diagnosis the next day, forcing San Francisco’s star edge rusher into surgery and a long rehab process that kept him sidelined for the rest of the year. During his recovery, he developed patellar tendinitis (pain and swelling in the tendon connecting the kneecap to the shinbone) in that same knee.

49ers begin their 2026 season journey

Kyle Shanahan’s 49ers kick off their 2026 NFL regular season on Thursday, September 10, in a historic matchup against their division rivals, the Rams. It’s an international showdown hosted at the massive Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne, Australia. Prime-time kickoff for US fans is set for 8:35 PM ET.

“It’s life, man. You’ve got to be able to live with it and roll with it and be able to deliver blows back whenever it’s time,” Milton said via ESPN‘s Todd Archer on X. In the battle to become Prescott’s backup, Sam Howell ultimately won the job.

In the NFL, resilience is often the name of the game, and that is something Milton is putting into practice as he returns to the Cowboys’ facilities. “I’m still the best quarterback in my eyes. So it is what it is. It’s just something you gotta live with, take it to the chin.”

Prescott takes the reins of the Cowboys once again

Dak Prescott is gearing up to lead the Cowboys once again as QB1 for the upcoming 2026 NFL season. Coming off a strong 2025 campaign where he threw for 4,552 yards and 30 touchdowns with just 10 interceptions over 17 games, Dak continues to be the unquestioned leader under center.

However, the offense hit a bit of a bump right out of the gate following a negative injury update on Tyler Smith, as the star guard is set to sit out the season opener against the New York Giants. Even with that blow to the line, Prescott will look to keep the momentum rolling and start his tenth year in Dallas on a high note.

Milton will look to earn his spot

Coming off a solid preseason where he completed 29 of 43 passes for 378 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions—plus a rushing score—Joe Milton is embracing a new role in Dallas. He’s staying completely locked in and ready to seize his opportunity whenever Brian Schottenheimer calls his number.

Dallas’ highly anticipated debut

The Cowboys hit the road to open their 2026 season on Sunday night, September 13, facing off against their division rivals, the New York Giants. They’ll be kicking things off under the lights at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford.

“I think, one, he garners your attention, and he deserves our attention,” coach Sark, per Chase Brown of Eleven Warriors. “He’s arguably the best player in college football. The challenge is, with him, it’s the size, speed, catch radius. He’s a big, physical guy who can cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time. It doesn’t always look like it, but it almost feels like it. You can feel his presence on the field.”

Smith is one of the top prospects for the upcoming NFL Draft, thanks to his physical attributes and exceptional talent, which stand out among the receivers in this class. Sarkisian even went as far as comparing him to established stars such as Julio Jones and A.J. Brown.

“When you just talk about body structure, this guy looks like Julio Jones, this guy looks like AJ Brown physically,” the head coach added. “He can cover ground and then, because he’s so strong, 50-50 catches are difficult with him. You have to have a plan.”

How does Sarkisian plan to stop Smith?

Sarkisian made it clear that stopping Smith requires a solid game plan. Names such as Bo Mascoe and Kade Phillips, along with Jelani McDonald and Xavier Filsaime, could be the players tasked with executing it, but they will have to be precise.

“I think like anything when you have a plan against somebody like him, you can’t just throw all fastballs,” Sarkisian said. “As good as a fastball as you have, if that’s all you got, sooner or later you’re gonna hit it.”

An early championship clash

The Longhorns are set to host Ohio State on Saturday, September 12, 2026, under the lights at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin. Kickoff is set for 7:30 PM ET, and with a sellout crowd of over 100,000 fans expected, the energy in Austin is going to be absolutely off the charts.

Smith’s projection for the upcoming Draft

Jeremiah Smith is projected as an early first-round selection in the 2027 NFL Draft, with most evaluators placing him as a top-two overall prospect. Scouts consider him a rare talent at wide receiver due to his size, route-running precision, and physical dominance at the catch point. Unless a quarterback-needy team holds the top pick, he is widely expected to be the first non-quarterback off the board.

“He’s built for everything,” the wide receiver said, via ESPN‘s DJ Bien-Aime. “We believe in him, we love him. This is the best position he can be in right now. I feel like he is about to go out and show the whole world what he’s made of, and I can’t wait. We got his back 100 percent, all the way.”

The Texans’ depth chart was bolstered by the arrival of Kayshon Boutte, who joined the team this season to replace Jayden Higgins. It remains to be seen whether Stroud will ultimately be able to rely on his receivers, Nico Collins included, to put together a strong year in Houston.

Building on last season’s success

C.J. Stroud kept things rolling in his 2025 campaign with H-Town, throwing for 3,041 yards, 19 touchdowns, and just 8 interceptions across 14 starts despite missing a bit of time. He completed 64.5% of his passes (273 of 423) for a solid 92.9 passer rating, while tacking on 209 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground to help steer Houston right back into the postseason.

However, their playoff run came to a painful end in the Divisional Round against the New England Patriots, falling 28–16 after Stroud suffered a brutal night with 4 first-half interceptions—including a costly pick-six—that completely derailed the offense.

What is Stroud’s contract situation?

Stroud is heading into the 2026 season playing on the final year of his original four-year rookie deal, though Houston already locked up his fifth-year option for 2027. While the Texans made a solid offer rumored to put him in the $50 million-a-year quarterback club, both sides haven’t reached a long-term agreement yet.

With general manager Nick Caserio setting a hard deadline to pause talks once the regular season kicks off, Stroud seems totally fine betting on himself this year and letting his agent handle the business while he focuses on ball.

“Tanner Houck said he will throw about 20 pitches with Double-A Portland on Tuesday, then 40-45 with Portland on Friday. Then he’ll join Triple-A Worcester for a game next week,” Boston Globe‘s Tim Healey revealed on X.

Chad Tracy needs more depth in the rotation for what appears to be a very tight and competitive finish to the season. Will the BoSox ultimately be able to bring Houck back by then?

A long layoff for Houck

Tanner Houck has been out of action for roughly 16 months, having not pitched in a Major League game since May 12, 2025. His extended absence was caused by a severe right elbow injury—specifically a right flexor pronator strain alongside ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) damage—which required him to undergo a hybrid Tommy John surgery and flexor tendon repair on August 18, 2025.

His return is highly anticipated at Fenway, although there is still some caution over whether he will be able to perform at the highest level. If he can do so, there is no doubt that it would be a major boost for the team on the mound.

What’s next for the Red Sox?

The Red Sox are sitting third in the AL East with a 79–65 record and just 18 games left in the regular season as they push for a Wild Card spot. They are kicking off a home stand at Fenway against the Los Angeles Angels (Sept 7–9) before hosting the Kansas City Royals (Sept 11–13).

After that, they hit the road for back-to-back series against the Texas Rangers (Sept 15–17) and Tampa Bay Rays (Sept 18–20), before wrapping up the season at home against the Cleveland Guardians (Sept 22–24) and the Chicago Cubs (Sept 25–27).

“I wouldn’t say that,” Newsome said, via Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News. “I would just say every receiver I go against there’s technically unfinished business. My job is to shut them out no matter what. Obviously I’ve had a lot of battles with him, so it’s gonna be a little more special. But my job is to shut them out.”

Newsome has already taunted both CeeDee Lamb and Pickens, heating things up ahead of what promises to be an intense Sunday Night Football matchup between the G-Men and America’s Team. Which of these two teams will ultimately start the season with a winning record?

Watch out for the Cowboys’ offense

Newsome’s arrival in East Rutherford was primarily aimed at adding versatility and intensity to the Giants’ secondary. That said, he will face a challenging debut at MetLife Stadium against an opponent that will leave it all on the gridiron.

Dak Prescott had a strong 2025 season, particularly elevating the Cowboys’ passing attack with the help of both CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens. Ryan Flournoy is the team’s third option at wide receiver, and Brian Schottenheimer’s squad will look to get the new campaign off on the right foot.

Newsome will be in good company

While Greg Newsome has significantly strengthened the Giants’ defense, he is not the only important name tasked with stopping opposing offenses. Former New Orleans Saints Paulson Adebo will be responsible for covering the left side of the secondary.

Additionally, John Harbaugh has two more options on the depth chart if needed. The first is rookie Colton Hood, while Deonte Banks emerges as another option on the opposite side.

Lowry is coming off a release by the Pittsburgh Steelers after re-signing with the team on a one-year contract last May. His arrival in New York could give the G-Men a highly experienced player at the position to turn to if the need arises.

John Harbaugh’s philosophy when it comes to building his rosters is well known, with physicality being a key component of his teams. Will the Giants ultimately make the necessary moves to bring Lowry on board?

The Giants’ practice squad

The NFC East will have a Giants team built to compete until the very end. After finalizing their 53-man roster, New York revealed, through its official website, the players who currently make up its practice squad:

• DL Ben Barten
• WR Braxton Berrios
• WR Dalen Cambre
• FB Grant Finley
• OLB Trace Ford
• OL Jarrod Gray (international)
• QB Jake Haener
• WR Jalin Hyatt
• DB Raheem Layne
• LB Chandler Martin
• OL Ryan Schernecke
• DL Josh Tupou
• DB JT Woods

Lowry’s NFL experience

Entering his 10th NFL season, Dean Lowry spent the bulk of his career in Green Bay, suiting up for the Packers for seven seasons before brief stops with the Minnesota Vikings and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Over nine seasons of action, he compiled a solid résumé across 132 regular-season games (85 starts), recording 271 total tackles (144 solo), 16.5 sacks, 18 pass deflections, 5 fumble recoveries, and 1 interception that he returned for a touchdown.

Which DT does Harbaugh have on his roster?

Heading into the 2026 season under John Harbaugh, the Giants’ interior defensive line features D.J. Reader anchoring the middle alongside experienced hands Shelby Harris and Darius Alexander. They are backed by versatility upfront with Chauncey Golston, Bobby Jamison-Travis, and international pathway rotational lineman Basil C.J. Okoye rounding out the unit.

“Yeah, probably a couple missed spots,” the manager said to the press. “Tatis put a long at bat on him, eventually got the hanging breaking ball there… thought he did a really good [job] controlling emotions, managing the game and ends up giving us seven strong, but obviously a tough start for us there.“

Boone, who also warned Jasson Dominguez, added: “He just kept executing… made some subtle adjustments. They put some good at-bats together and had some hard contact throughout the day against him, but I thought he managed the game very well and gave us a chance to make a comeback.”

Undoubtedly, Cole’s performance was far from satisfactory at the start of the game, although sometimes it is just as important to be able to overcome adversity. With the remainder of the regular season ahead, he will need to raise his level of play so that the Yankees can count on him as another reliable option.

Cole’s numbers at Petco Park

Gerrit Cole had a wild outing against the Padres in the Yankees’ loss. He went 7 full innings, allowing 4 earned runs on 6 hits with 3 strikeouts and zero walks. The kicker, though, was the long ball: Cole gave up 4 home runs in total, including back-to-back-to-back jacks to open the very first inning.

Despite settling down to throw a solid 84 pitches overall, those early solo shots ultimately handed him the loss, dropping his record to 8-8. “I think that they put really good swings on the ball… Sometimes it is what it is, and you gotta separate that from doing your job, and that’s taking it one pitch at a time and leaving the mistakes behind and keep working, so just got back to work,” he said.

Rest up and keep going

Up next for Aaron Boone‘s squad, the Yankees kick off a three-game home set against the Colorado Rockies at Yankee Stadium from September 8–10, followed immediately by a crosstown Subway Series matchup hosting the New York Mets from September 11–13, before heading out on the road to face the Minnesota Twins at Target Field from September 14–16.

“We know our goal,” the linebacker said, via the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review‘s Chris Harlan. “Not just get to the playoffs but when we get there to make noise. To win and go to the Super Bowl. But there definitely is extra added motivation to send ‘eight’ out the right way.”

A-Rod already knows what it feels like to hoist the Vince Lombardi Trophy, and he will look to do it again, this time in Steel City. Will the franchise’s long-held wish finally come true, with the quarterback capping his career with another championship?

Rodgers and McCarthy: A winning duo

Aaron Rodgers and Mike McCarthy were an absolute powerhouse together in the Green Bay Packers, capping off their run with that unforgettable Super Bowl XLV victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers back in 2011. During their 13 seasons side by side, they transformed the franchise into a perennial NFC North juggernaut, stacking up eight straight playoff appearances and dialing up one of the most explosive, highly efficient passing offenses the league had ever seen.

Even though things got a bit bumpy toward the end of their era, there’s no denying that when Rodgers’ otherworldly raw talent synced up with McCarthy’s quarterback-friendly system, they were practically unstoppable and left an undeniable legacy in Titletown.

Rodgers’ last dance begins

As Aaron Rodgers kicks off his final NFL ride with the Pittsburgh Steelers, they face a manageable opening stretch that should let the offense get into a rhythm:

• Week 1 (Sept. 13): vs. Atlanta Falcons at Acrisure Stadium
• Week 2 (Sept. 20): at New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium
• Week 3 (Sept. 27): vs. Cincinnati Bengals at Acrisure Stadium
• Week 4 (Oct. 1): at Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field (Thursday Night Football)
• Week 5 (Oct. 11): vs. Indianapolis Colts at Acrisure Stadium

“He’s been hitting, so we’ll see,” the manager said. A moderate left calf strain landed Stanton on the Injured List, but judging by Boone’s comments, a return could be on the horizon.

The hope of seeing Stanton back on the field is also boosted by Aaron Judge’s upcoming return to the Yankees lineup. Will the Bronx Bombers be able to have all of their stars at full strength for the postseason?

Stanton’s impact on the Pinstripes

Before landing on the IL in late August, Giancarlo Stanton was providing some crucial middle-of-the-order pop for the Yankees. Through 112 games, Big G was slashing .238 with 24 home runs and 67 RBIs, delivering that signature exit-velocity fear factor every time he stepped into the box as the primary DH.

His raw power gave the Bronx Bombers serious length in their lineup, making his late-season absence a massive void for New York to fill right in the thick of the pennant race.

What’s left for the Yankees down the final stretch?

Aaron Boone’s Yankees have a pretty wild, high-stakes September slate to wrap up the regular season, finishing off a road clash against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park (Sept. 6) before returning home for a three-game set against the Colorado Rockies at Yankee Stadium (Sept. 8–10).

From there, they’ll host the New York Mets in a huge crosstown Subway Series at home (Sept. 11–13), take a quick Midwest trip to face the Minnesota Twins at Target Field (Sept. 14–16), and head out west again to take on the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field (Sept. 18–20).

Finally, they’ll close out the stretch right in the Bronx with a four-game division series against the Tampa Bay Rays (Sept. 22–24) and a massive AL East regular-season finale against the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium (Sept. 25–27).

“He’s good,” Chesney stated in his postgame press conference. “His calf kind of got cleated at the end there. So, he tried and it just kept cramping up. He’s got to do some work on that and get him cleaned up.”

The most intriguing part of the game came when his replacement was none other than his brother, Madden Iamaleava. Looking ahead to what’s next, it appears that Nico should have no issues being available for the matchup against San Diego State.

How did Nico Iamaleava suffer his injury?

During UCLA‘s 45-24 victory over the Golden Bears, Nico Iamaleava gave fans a serious heart-in-mouth moment late in the fourth quarter when he scrambled on a 3rd-and-1, picked up the first down, and got dragged down hard on his leg. He fumbled during the tackle but managed to pounce on the ball before limping off and heading straight to the medical tent.

By that point, Nico had posted a solid stat line, completing 14 of 22 passes for 184 yards with one interception, while adding 29 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground. The former Tennessee Volunteers quarterback wants to show this season why he chose to move to the West Coast and lead his team to the top of college football.

A challenging schedule ahead for the Bruins

Making a winning debut in college football is crucial, not only from a confidence standpoint but also statistically. Bob Chesney’s Bruins want to improve on what they accomplished last season, and they got off to a strong start.

Now, what lies ahead beyond Week 2 is certainly intriguing for this team. Here’s a brief overview of the games UCLA will have to navigate as they look to improve their record even further:

• Week 2, vs San Diego State – September 12
• Week 3, vs Purdue – September 19
• Week 4, at Maryland – September 26
• Week 5, at Oregon – October 10
• Week 6, vs Wisconsin – October 17

“No one is fit yet. Let’s hope we can get a couple back for next week,” manager Luciano Spalletti said, referring not only to McKennie but also to Andrea Cambiaso and Pape Matar Sarr. The Bianconeri head into this match dealing with several injury absences.

Juventus won their first two matches of the season and will look to pick up another three points to remain at the top of the table. Milan, who will also be without Christian Pulisic, will be looking to come away with a victory from their trip to Allianz Stadium.

What happened to Weston McKennie?

Weston McKennie has been dealing with muscle fatigue after pulling up during a Juventus training session in late August. To avoid a more serious tear, the club opted to play it safe and rest him, though he’s remained limited in training and missed recent fixtures such as Parma.

Fortunately, it isn’t a long-term setback, and he is expected to ease back onto the pitch within a week or two as he works his way back into full match fitness. The team needs his services, although Spalletti has several options available to fill in for him.

Juventus’ starting lineup

Winning and making it three victories in as many matches will be crucial for Juventus, who want to establish themselves among the title contenders. Luciano Spalletti will rely on these eleven players to start the match against Milan.

Guglielmo Vicario; Pierre Kalulu, Gleison Bremer, Jhon Lucumi, Zeki Celik; Manuel Locatelli, Douglas Luiz, Francisco Conceicao, Nicolas Gonzalez; Kerim Alajbegović, Kolo Muani.

That said, the BoSox made an interesting roster move to help fill the void left by Rafaela. Outfielder Nate Eaton was recalled from Triple-A Worcester, with the team looking ahead to a challenging stretch of upcoming games.

A few days ago, Chad Tracy didn’t rule out Rafaela’s long-term injury, which, fortunately for Boston, turned out to be something much less serious. The Red Sox need every player at full strength during this crucial point of the season, when every win matters and every setback could prove significant.

How much do the Red Sox lose without Rafaela?

Missing Rafaela is a massive blow for the Red Sox, especially with how crucial he’s been at the top/middle of the lineup and his unreal defensive versatility in center field and the infield. Before going down with that right quad issue, he was having a breakout campaign, slashing .284/.285 with 16 home runs, 64 RBIs, 67 runs scored, and 137 hits across 122 games.

Losing that kind of elite range on defense alongside a bat that reliably drives in runs instantly drains Fenway’s energy and leaves a huge gap in the everyday lineup as Boston pushes down the stretch.

The games Ceddanne Rafaela will miss

The Red Sox will have to navigate a crucial stretch without Rafaela, as he won’t be eligible to return until September 13 at the earliest. He is guaranteed to miss the final game of the road series against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards (Sept. 6), followed by a three-game home stand against the Los Angeles Angels at Fenway Park (Sept. 7–9).

Also the INF will be out at least the first two matchups of a three-game home set against the Kansas City Royals at Fenway Park (Sept. 11–13). If his recovery stays right on track, the earliest he could rejoin the lineup would be for Sunday’s series finale against the Royals on September 13.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano revealed through his X account that Levi Colwill will take his place on the bench. Both Chelsea and the Gunners will be looking for their third consecutive win in the competition.

These are the 11 players the manager will field at the Emirates Stadium: Emiliano Martinez; Josh Acheampong, Maxence Lacroix, Wesley Fofana; Pedro Neto, Reece James, Romeo Lavia, Jorrel Hato; Morgan Rogers, Cole Palmer, João Pedro.

What injury is Caicedo dealing with?

Moi Caicedo has been dealing with a recurring physical setback that originally kept him out of Chelsea’s season openers against Fulham and Luton. He managed to make his return as a substitute against Brighton on Sunday, August 30th, but he had to be subbed off after just 14 minutes when the issue flared back up.

While Chelsea hasn’t disclosed the exact nature of the injury, manager Xabi Alonso noted it wasn’t a new problem, and after failing a late fitness test, Caicedo was ultimately ruled out of today’s clash against Arsenal.

What’s next for Chelsea beyond Arsenal?

Facing Arsenal away from home could mean a high-risk matchup where anything can happen. However, beyond this crucial game, Alonso’s Chelsea have a series of matches ahead in which they will have to keep moving forward to maintain their title ambitions, not only in the 2026-27 Premier League but also in other competitions.

• vs Leeds United, September 9 (Carabao Cup)
• vs Hull City, September 12 (Matchday 4 – EPL)
• at Brentford, September 18 (Matchday 5 – EPL)
• vs Bournemouth, October 10 (Matchday 6 – EPL)
• at Everton, October 17 (Matchday 7 – EPL)

“He’s physically to the finish line where he needs to be, but it’s just about doing it a lot because that’s ultimately what you’re trying to replicate is being out there for nine innings,” Boone said per New York Post Sports‘ Greg Joyce.

However, Boone also made it clear that they might try to ease him back in gradually, despite not confirming how much playing time Judge will have when he returns: “Maybe it’s playing a game, having an off-day. Maybe it’s playing 5, 6, 7 innings in a game and get him out. Those things are on the table.”

When was the last time Judge saw game action?

In his final appearance before hitting the injured list, Aaron Judge was in the lineup on May 31 against the Tampa Bay Rays, going 0-for-3 with two strikeouts and a walk before the team decided to officially shut him down. The decline in his performance indicated that something was clearly not right physically.

Prior to that outing, he had wrapped up the early months of the 2026 season sitting on 17 home runs, 38 RBIs, and a solid .908 OPS across 59 games, anchoring the middle of the order before the medical staff stepped in to let his right rib stress fracture heal.

What’s ahead for the Yankees at this stage of the season

The Yankees are set for a high-energy stretch ahead, starting with a three-game home stand against the Colorado Rockies (September 8–10) at Yankee Stadium, followed immediately by an intense Subway Series showdown right back at Yankee Stadium against the New York Mets (September 11–13), before packing their bags to hit the road and face the Minnesota Twins (September 14–16) at Target Field.

“Like anything, he’s human. There’s a couple misreads, but geez, you know, he’s over 300 yards, four touchdowns, managed the game really well, and was very efficient,” Sark stated during his press conference.

Manning, for his part, revealed that he felt very comfortable with his team’s offensive firepower: “I like how we got a lot of guys involved. Seems like we have a lot of playmakers.”

It will be a pivotal season for No. 16, with many already projecting him as a potential No. 1 pick in the next draft. Will Manning be able to fix his mistakes and make the big leap in his career?

Arch Manning’s numbers against Texas State

Starting his first full year at the helm, Arch Manning couldn’t have scripted a smoother 2026 debut, leading No. 5 Texas to a dominant 59-7 blowout over Texas State. The n.16 was locked in, slinging it for 305 passing yards, 4 touchdowns, and completing 20 of 27 passes before taking a well-earned rest early in the third quarter.

Outside of a single end-zone pick right before halftime, he ran the offense with surgical precision, connecting big with transfer targets like Cam Coleman and Ryan Wingo to put the Longhorns up comfortably before gear-shifting into next week’s monster matchup against Ohio State Buckeyes.

Keep moving forward

Steve Sarkisian‘s team got off to a strong start to the season, but what lies ahead will be far from easy. Getting into the SEC title race means picking up as many positive results as possible early in the campaign, something the Longhorns will look to secure in their upcoming games:

• Week 2, vs Ohio State (September 12)
• Week 3, vs UTSA (September 19)
• Week 4, at Tennessee (September 26)
• Week 5, vs Oklahoma (October 10) – Cotton Bowl
• Week 6, vs Florida (October 17)

Barry Alvarez, then-UW athletic director, had revealed at the time: “To play a game there … and the atmosphere turned into a college atmosphere and just the electricity around Green Bay and in the stadium was truly special for our athletes.”

In this contract, two games were arranged: one in 2020 at the stadium of the Green Bay Packers, and another in 2021 at Soldier Field. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 game ended up being postponed until this season.

This will be another one of the many games that UW has played in recent years against opponents from another conference at a neutral site. The Badgers played LSU in Houston in 2014, as well as Alabama in Arlington, Texas, in 2015.

How many fans are attending Notre Dame vs Wisconsin at Lambeau Field?

Lambeau Field is one of the NFL’s historic venues, with its distinctive green and yellow colors throughout the stands. For this important matchup between Notre Dame and Wisconsin, around 80,000 people are expected to pack the stadium.

Who will be the home team at Lambeau Field?

Although Lambeau Field will be a neutral stadium, which is why both schools will receive the same number of tickets to ensure their place in the stands, there will be a home team. Despite the fact that they will not use the Green Bay Packers’ locker room, the team chosen for this occasion is the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

This choice basically comes down to what was agreed upon in that agreement signed years ago: The Badgers were the home team at the Chicago Bears’ stadium, and now it is Marcus Freeman’s team’s turn to do so.

More NCAAF games at neutral sites

Week 1 of College Football will also feature another game to be played at an NFL stadium. Nissan Stadium, home of the Tennessee Titans, will be the setting for an interesting matchup between the Ole Miss Rebels and the Louisville Cardinals.

“He kind of was the base person that literally made me start watching football,” Nabers said, via ESPN’s Jordan Raanan. “The dances, the one-handers. And he was probably the first person I started really watching when I started playing football. He was the main person. So, just for him being here right now, in the same room as me, it’s surreal. Sometimes I got to take a moment, but to have him here is actually amazing.”

The latest injury update on Nabers has him in good shape for the Week 1 opener against the Dallas Cowboys. It remains to be seen whether at some point during the season he will be able to share the field with his biggest idol throughout his career.

An elite WR room for the Giants

If there is one thing to highlight about the Giants heading into the start of the season, it is how well they have operated both in the draft and during the offseason. One of their main goals? Surrounding Jaxson Dart with as much talent as possible on offense.

The top options in the passing game include the aforementioned Malik Nabers, rookie Malachi Fields, and Darnell Mooney, who most recently played for the Atlanta Falcons. A little further down the depth chart are two seasoned veterans: Odell Beckham Jr. and Darius Slayton.

New York kicks off the 2026 NFL season

The Giants are facing a absolute trial by fire to kick off the 2026 season. They host the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night Football in Week 1, followed by a brutal West Coast trip to face the Los Angeles Rams on Monday Night Football.

After that primetime double-header, things look a bit more manageable on paper with home games against the Tennessee Titans and Arizona Cardinals before taking on the Washington Commanders in Landover for Week 5. If New York can somehow survive that opening gauntlet and split the divisional games, they’ll be in a prime position to build serious momentum through the rest of October.

“I don’t get involved in the negotiations, per se, but I certainly want to be involved in trying to get the situation resolved,” the head coach revealed during his press conference. This stalemate does not appear to have a resolution in the near future.

When asked by the media whether Gonzalez would request a trade in this situation, the cornerback himself did not rule out any possibility at this point: “I’m here right now…I’ll always be where my feet are and do what I gotta do.”

Trying to reach another Super Bowl means, among other things, that the Patriots will need to have all of their firepower available on the field. Will both sides finally be able to reach an agreement?

Where do Gonzalez and the Patriots stand?

Gonzales is currently set to earn just $2.8 million in base salary for the 2026 season under his original four-year, $15.1 million rookie deal—with his 2027 fifth-year option already exercised at $18.1 million—a bargain figure for an elite cornerback.

While the Patriots’ offer theoretically tops the current market benchmark set by Trent McDuffie and the Rams at $31 million average per year ($124 million total), Gonzalez is holding out for around $32 million annually with fully guaranteed money at signing, refusing to accept New England’s incentive-heavy structure with weak financial guarantees.

What options does Vrabel have?

The Patriots’ season opener is just around the corner, and with uncertainty surrounding Gonzalez’s availability, Mike Vrabel may have to turn to other options to replace him. The depth chart, however, is shorter than expected.

The LCB spot in Foxborough belongs to Carlton Davis III, a position that is very well covered. The other two options in the secondary are Channing Canada and Karon Prunty.

“I don’t have a plan [yet], but this is my 16th year in the National Football League,” he said via the official team’s website. “I like to think that I’m a coach’s dream.
I just try to make everybody’s job easy — coaches and the players around me. Whatever I can do to help contribute to wins is why I’m here.

“Whether that’s in the locker room or out there on the football field, I’m still a sack daddy, so I’ll have my opportunity to go out there and rush the quarterback and contribute to wins.”

Will Von Miller play a prominent role on the field? That remains an unknown. The coach knows he has a highly experienced player on his roster, so it would not be far-fetched for him to rely on Miller to help elevate the team.

Experience on the Cowboys’ defense

Throughout his career, Von Miller has established himself as one of the best players at the linebacker position, having won two Super Bowl rings. However, his new chapter with America’s Team appears to have him starting behind others on the depth chart.

Schottenheimer’s first option at ROLB is Donovan Ezeiruaku, with Miller currently behind him on the depth chart. Tyrus Wheat, who most recently played for the Detroit Lions, is listed as the third option.

Von Miller has found his joy in the NFL again

Von Miller’s latest stint with the Washington Commanders may not have gone as expected, but the linebacker himself appears to have found his joy again with America’s Team. “The smile has come back, you know? I’ve always loved playing football. I’ve been able to play for some amazing teams, with amazing quarterbacks and amazing coaches. But it’s just something different about being here.

“Coming here to The Star and seeing this amazing facility, and going to the stadium, I am glad we had that preseason game because I was in awe. I’ve played on the other side, but I haven’t been on this side wearing white jerseys and playing for the good guys. . . . I’m sure a lot of kids wish that, and I am living a dream.”

Anticipating the debut

The Dallas Cowboys will kick off the 2026 NFL season with a tough trip to MetLife Stadium, where they will face the New York Giants on September 13. After that, they will have these four games ahead:

• Week 2, vs Washington Commanders (September 20)
• Week 3, vs Baltimore Ravens (September 27)
• Week 4, at Houston Texans (October 4)
• Week 5, vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers (October 8)

The estimated return date, according to Hoch, stems from the fact that the right fielder needs to face live pitching and will not do so before the Bronx Bombers return home. Judge knows that his return will be a special moment.

“If I’m playing or not playing, it’s going to be special,” he said. “It’s going to be a big day. That impacted not only a lot of New Yorkers, but the whole world and our whole country. … I don’t know about playing or not playing, but I’ll definitely be there and soaking it all in.”

Judge excited about his return

It appears that the long-awaited return is finally close to becoming a reality. Unfortunately for No. 99, it took longer than he would have liked, but Judge knows that this is what he had to go through and is only focused on rejoining his teammates.

“I’m mad how long it has taken. It is what it is. I wish it was real two months ago, but we’re at this point [now]. We’re getting close. I can’t wait to be back out there,” Judge said after taking on-field BP for the first time since May 31 per Hoch on X.

What’s ahead for the Yankees

The Yankees are finishing up their road trip against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on September 5–6, before heading back to the Bronx for a home stand against the Colorado Rockies at Yankee Stadium from September 8–10. Right after that comes the big one: a three-game Subway Series clash against the New York Mets from September 11–13.

Will that be the moment we see Judge back on the field? That remains to be seen. What is certain is that the return of one of the best players in the league is drawing closer, and the Yankees’ hopes of making it back to the World Series are growing stronger.

The pitcher has been one of the team’s biggest standouts throughout the year, to the point that many have considered him one of the leading candidates to win the NL Rookie of the Year Award. Far from being distracted by that, McLean made it clear that he is not focused on that, but rather on continuing to help his team.

“I think any competitor would want to win an award. Is it something I’m focused on? Not really. I don’t pay a whole lot of attention to it. My job is to go out there and compete for the New York Mets,” he revealed to the press.

McLean’s great year in Queens

Through 28 starts, McLean has been an absolute anchor in the Mets’ rotation so far in 2026. He’s posted an 11–8 record with a sharp 3.06 ERA and a 1.14 WHIP across 161.2 innings pitched.

His stuff has been elite at missing bats, racking up 179 strikeouts—good for top 5 in the National League—while holding opposing hitters to just a .205 batting average. There is no doubt that the future is very promising for this player, and in Queens, the Mets are hopeful of keeping him around for many more years to come.

More candidates for the NL Rookie of the Year award

While Nolan McLean is right in the thick of the race, he’s up against some serious competition for NL Rookie of the Year. Sal Stewart of the Cincinnati Reds has emerged as a massive favorite after dropping over 30 homers and 100 RBIs, completely tearing up the division.

St. Louis Cardinals’ JJ Wetherholt was leading the pack for most of the summer thanks to his elite all-around game before being slowed down by an injury. You’ve also got Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Konnor Griffin bringing electric raw tools and high-ceiling defense, plus McLean’s own Mets teammate, Carson Benge, who keeps lurking as a dangerous dark-horse candidate down the stretch.

“Not sure yet if it’s an IL or not, but it certainly could be,” the manager said. The center fielder’s loss is yet another setback in an injury-plagued season for the Bronx Bombers.

The amount of time Grisham could be sidelined remains unknown, but with the regular season nearing its end, his absence could be a significant blow for the team. Boone will have to carefully evaluate his options and determine the best course of action to keep his roster competitive heading into the postseason.

Yankees’ options to replace Grisham

It appears that in the final stretch of the season, Aaron Boone’s gotta shuffle the deck in center field. The quickest play is keeping Spencer Jones in CF and letting Heliot Ramos lock down left—basically the setup we saw right after Grisham went down on Friday.

The manager could also slide Cody Bellinger back over to center for that veteran defense, which opens up LF for Ramos or even Jazz Chisholm Jr. dynamic range. Once Aaron Judge is fully back in the mix, Boone will have way more breathing room to rotate guys around, keep everyone fresh, and hold down the outfield until October.

A decisive stretch for the Bronx Bombers

If the Yankees want to steal the AL East crown, there is zero room for error with just 21 games left in the regular season. Sitting in second place at 80-61 and trailing the Tampa Bay Rays by 4 games, they need to build serious momentum starting with the final stretch of their West Coast trip against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park (Sept. 4–6).

They’ll then head back to the Bronx for a crucial home stretch at Yankee Stadium, first hosting the Colorado Rockies (Sept. 8–10) before gearing up for an intense Subway Series showdown against the New York Mets (Sept. 11–13).

The MLS regular season is entering a crucial stage, and the South Florida side cannot afford to let any more opportunities slip away if it wants to keep pace with Nashville SC, the conference’s sole leaders. Their latest 7-1 thrashing of CF Montreal, with Messi scoring four goals, left a very positive impression of Inter Miami.

This is the starting XI expected to take the field at Nu Stadium: Dayne St. Clair; Ian Fray, Casemiro, Maximiliano Falcon, Facundo Mura; Rodrigo De Paul, Yannick Bright, Telasco Segovia; Lionel Messi (C), German Berterame, Luis Suarez.

Messi looks to stay among the top scorers

Years and seasons go by, yet Lionel Messi continues to cement his legacy as one of the greatest players in history. This campaign is no exception, as the Argentine superstar remains the league’s leading scorer so far this season.

Having played 22 matches in the regular season, Messi has scored 18 goals so far, while also providing nine assists. His closest challenger in the scoring charts is FC Dallas’ Petar Musa, with 16 goals, while New York City FC’s Nicolas Fernandez Mercau rounds out the top three with 14.

What’s next for the Herons?

The matchup against Atlanta United will be a tough test for a team looking to overtake Nashville SC at the top of the standings. If the Herons want to remain in contention for the top spot in the Eastern Conference, they will have to overcome these difficult challenges lying ahead:

• at Chicago Fire, September 9 (Soldier Field)
• vs Nashville SC, September 12
• vs San Diego FC, September 20
• at Columbus Crew, September 27
• vs DC United, October 10

“I don’t think I’ve been in a roster with four quarterbacks. Obviously when you do that you’re taking a spot from another place in the team but, at the same time, the best 53 are gonna make it . . . those four are part of the 53,” A-Rod said Wednesday.

“I’m happy for all those guys, obviously looking to the future. Cause all the three guys will have the chance when I’m gone . . . I’m excited for those guys’ future,” Rodgers added.

The Steelers’ crowded QB room

Rodgers’ last dance in the NFL will be played in black and gold, as he looks to improve on his 2025 campaign, when the Steelers were eliminated in the Wild Card Round by the Houston Texans. The veteran will have three other quarterbacks behind him on the depth chart, giving Mike McCarthy options to turn to if necessary.

Veteran Mason Rudolph is listed as the first backup in the QB room, while the younger quarterbacks follow behind him. Will Howard is the third option, with recently drafted Drew Allar rounding out the group.

Rodgers’ passing options

DK Metcalf was one of Rodgers’ targets last season, and the receiving corps was further strengthened with the addition of Michael Pittman Jr. Unfortunately for the former Indianapolis Colts receiver, a physical setback limited his time working with his new quarterback in practice, but Rodgers himself expressed satisfaction with what he has seen, as well as Metcalf and Roman Wilson.

“He was hurt, so it is what it is. We got to get him up to speed, but I feel great about — DK and Roman have had arguably 2 of the top probably 5 camps on the team. DK has looked unbelievable.”

The Steelers’ season opener

This year, expectations are high in Steel City, as the Steelers have reunited Rodgers and McCarthy, a duo that already knows what it takes to win a Super Bowl. Getting off to a strong start will be crucial, and these are the first games on their schedule as they look to do so:

• vs Atlanta Falcons, September 13 – Week 1
• at New England Patriots, September 20 – Week 2
• vs Cincinnati Bengals, September 27 – Week 3
• at Cleveland Browns, October 1 – Week 4
• vs Indianapolis Colts, October 11 – Week 5

“Pass protection. We knew he could run the ball. But the thing we had to see was pass protection for him to be that No. 2 back. You’ve got to be able to do that…,” Reid said on Johnson’s role with Chiefs.

With this development, Brashard Smith appears to be the player most likely to fall down the depth chart. The Chiefs will look to make an impact on the ground, and Patrick Mahomes has the weapons needed to make it happen. This is the Chiefs’ running back depth chart for 2026:

• Kenneth Walker III
• Emmett Johnson
• Brashard Smith

What does Kenneth Walker bring to Chiefs Kingdom?

Kenneth Walker III had a massive rebound year with the Seahawks in 2025, staying healthy for all 17 regular-season games for the first time in his career. As Seattle’s primary lead back, he logged 221 carries for 1,027 rushing yards—averaging a crisp 4.6 yards per carry—and found the end zone 5 times on the ground.

He also proved to be a reliable safety valve in the passing game, hauling in 31 receptions for 282 receiving yards, setting up an explosive postseason run that capped off his Seahawks chapter in legendary fashion.

In the latest Super Bowl, where he was crowned champion and named MVP, Walker played a pivotal role. He finished with 27 carries for 135 rushing yards, without recording a touchdown.

Andy Reid wants to unleash the ground game

The Kansas City Chiefs had a surprisingly sluggish year on the ground in 2025, finishing 25th in the NFL with just 106.6 rushing yards per game and 1,812 total yards on 430 carries (4.2 yards per attempt) with 15 touchdowns. The backfield split work across a heavily rotated rotation—led by Kareem Hunt’s 611 yards—leaving the offense overly reliant on Patrick Mahomes to bail out early-down lulls.

Heading into 2026, Andy Reid is focused on tightening up those numbers by restoring balance to his scheme: establishing greater efficiency on first and second downs, taking pressure off the passing game, and committing to a more physical, explosive run game to keep defenses honest in the red zone.

“He played really good football. I’m really happy with all three of our quarterbacks. Kirk’s had a really good offseason, very good camp and he’s earned it,” the HC revealed per ESPN‘s Adam Schefter.

Aidan O’Connell is the other quarterback on the Raiders’ depth chart, although he is expected to have fewer opportunities to see the field throughout the season. Ultimately, Cousins’ experience prevailed over the other options as he prepares to lead the team into another campaign.

Cousins brings plenty of NFL experience

Kirk Cousins is officially rolling into his 15th NFL season, continuing one of the most durable and steady under-center runs in modern football. Drafted in 2012 by Washington Redskins as a fourth-round backup to Robert Griffin III, Cousins took over starting duties in 2015 and never looked back, eventually carving out major multi-year chapters with Washington, Minnesota Vikings, and Atlanta Falcons.

While playoff success has been elusive, his biggest claim to fame remains his remarkable consistency and high-level individual efficiency: he’s a 4-time Pro Bowler who surpassed 44,000 career passing yards and nearly 300 passing touchdowns, earning a reputation as one of the ultimate intermediate-to-deep pocket passers and highest-earning players in league history.

A tough start to the season for Las Vegas

The Raiders are looking at a crucial opening stretch to kick off their 2026 campaign. They open up at home at Allegiant Stadium against the Dolphins in Week 1 before hitting the road for back-to-back road tests against the divisional-rival Los Angeles Chargers and a trip to the Superdome to face the New Orleans Saints.

The schedule doesn’t ease up from there, as they head back to Vegas for a massive AFC West showdown against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 4, followed by a tricky Week 5 trip east to take on the New England Patriots.

“He’s a tireless worker. He loves football. He loves his teammates. He’s energetic on the field. He’s self-critical. He’s self-aware. He’s very accurate,” the General Manager said, via transcript from the team. “His time is coming, but he’s got to earn it every day, and he knows that. I think we’re all very pleased with the person and his work ethic and his commitment to being a great quarterback.”

The arrival of Klint Kubiak as the franchise’s new head coach signals another change in direction. Will the rookie be the right player to lead the team to a successful season, or will they instead have to rely on Kirk Cousins’ experience?

Mendoza’s first steps in the NFL

Taking his first NFL snaps as a pro, Fernando Mendoza got a true trial-by-fire experience during his 2026 preseason with the Raiders. Across the exhibition slate, the rookie completed 25 of 45 passes (55.6%) for 240 yards, 1 touchdown, and 2 interceptions, registering a 59.5 passer rating.

While he showed flashes from a clean pocket, his biggest growing pain was adjusting to NFL pressure and playing on time—taking 4 sacks and suffering 14 hits on 51 drop backs while learning to navigate the pocket against pro defenses.

Will Kubiak turn to Cousins?

The battle for the QB1 job in Las Vegas was fierce and closely contested. Still, Klint Kubiak explained that Kirk Cousins earned the starting role against the Miami Dolphins based on his performance throughout the offseason, which stood out above the rest of the quarterbacks.

The first challenges for Las Vegas

The Raiders are one of the NFL franchises undergoing a rebuilding process, with several new faces looking to help turn things around. Establishing themselves in the AFC West is one of the team’s first objectives, and getting off to a strong start will be crucial to building momentum.

• Week 1, vs Miami Dolphins – September 13
• Week 2, at Los Angeles Chargers – September 20
• Week 3, at New Orleans Saints – September 27
• Week 4, vs Kansas City Chiefs – October 4
• Week 5, at New England Patriots – October 11

The G-Men have four uniform options to take the field: Blue, White, Legacy, and Vintage White. Each one reflects the distinctive identity of this historic East Rutherford franchise.

Four primetime games and the hope of extending the season beyond the regular season. How far can the New York Giants go in 2026 with Jaxson Dart at the helm?

Dressed in blue

“Big Blue” is one of the Giants’ most iconic nicknames. In keeping with that identity, the blue uniform is featured throughout much of the regular season, with the team wearing it in eight games, both at home and on the road.

• Week 1 vs Dallas Cowboys, September 13 (Sunday Night Football)
• Week 3 vs Tennessee Titans, September 27
• Week 5 at Washington Commanders, October 11
• Week 6 vs New Orleans Saints, October 18
• Week 11 vs Jacksonville Jaguars, November 22
• Week 15 vs Cleveland Brows, December 20
• Week 17 at Dallas Cowboys, January 3
• Week 18 vs Philadelphia Eagles, January, TBD

Giants’ alternate uniform

The white uniform will also be part of John Harbaugh’s team, although it will be featured in fewer games. The Giants will wear their alternate uniform in just five contests, including two primetime matchups.

• Week 2 at Los Angeles Rams, September 21 (Monday Night Football)
• Week 7 at Houston Texans, October 25
• Week 12 at Indianapolis Colts, November 29
• Week 14 at Seattle Seahawks, December 13
• Week 16 at Detroit Lions, December 28 (Monday Night Football)

The Legacy uniform will also make an appearance

The Giants’ history is reflected in one of their most iconic uniforms, the Legacy. The G-Men will wear the throwback look twice during the season.

• Week 4 vs Arizona Cardinals, October 4
• Week 13 vs San Francisco 49ers, December 6

Vintage White will also be featured

The final uniform the Giants will wear this season is the Vintage White, which will be featured in two games, including one primetime matchup at the iconic MetLife Stadium.

• Week 9 at Philadelphia Eagles, November 8
• Week 10 vs Washington Commanders, November 12 (Thursday Night Football)

The New York Giants aim to rise to the occasion every NFL season, and their uniforms will be no exception. The goal of returning to the Super Bowl remains firmly in place in the Big Apple.

“Really just proud of him. He came in here, he earned it. He got better each and every week and he’s playing his best ball since he got here right now,” the quarterback said speaking to the press after practice.

In East Rutherford, there is growing excitement about an elite offense, with Dart entering the season with more experience and surrounded by players with plenty of NFL experience. Can this duo make a statement and ultimately win the NFC East?

Dart enters his sophomore season more settled

Jaxson Dart enters his second year as a professional with a much firmer grasp of the offense, having transition-tested his dual-threat style after taking over starting duties mid-season. Despite step-up pressures and rookie growing pains, his poise under center improved down the stretch, showing smart decision-making and protecting the football while adding a dangerous mobility element in the red zone.

In 14 games (12 starts) during his 2025 rookie campaign with the Giants, Dart completed 216 of 339 passes (63.7%) for 2,272 yards, 15 touchdowns, and just 5 interceptions, posting a solid 91.7 passer rating while adding 487 yards and 9 scores on the ground.

OBJ’s last NFL appearance

OBJ’s last stint in the NFL came with the Miami Dolphins in 2024, where his role was reduced to that of a veteran depth piece. Dealing with injuries and limited snaps in a crowded receiver room, Beckham Jr. appeared in nine games without a start, recording nine receptions on 18 targets for 55 yards and no touchdowns before being released late in the season.

Dart’s excitement about having Nabers

John Harbaugh’s receiving corps for the upcoming season features five players, with Malik Nabers standing out as the top name. Dart, who often relies heavily on the passing game, expressed his excitement about having the No. 1 receiver at his disposal.

“Whenever he’s out there on the field, whenever his time is ready for us as a team, I think it’s going to change a lot,” Dart expressed to the press. Nabers will have another chance to make his mark in East Rutherford after suffering a devastating injury last season.

“It’s not the first time, probably won’t be the last time. I really don’t pay it too much mind. I just take it day by day,” the veteran WR revealed during his press conference.

Will Slayton leave the G-Men in the short term? That remains uncertain. For now, he trails Odell Beckham Jr. on the depth chart and will look to convince John Harbaugh that he deserves a prominent role on the roster.

Slayton wants to earn his spot in East Rutherford

John Harbaugh made the final decision to carry only five wide receivers on his offense, with Slayton earning a spot among them. Three higher-profile names sit ahead of the veteran on the depth chart, meaning No. 18 will have to step up his efforts to increase his playing time on the field.

The first options Jaxson Dart will rely on will be Malik Nabers, Malachi Fields, and Darnell Mooney. A bit further down the depth chart is Odell Beckham Jr., who will wear No. 13 again in the Big Blue.

Slayton’s latest numbers in New York

Darius Slayton’s 2025 campaign with the Big Blue was pretty much on brand for his vertical-threat role. Across 14 games played, he reeled in 37 receptions on 63 targets for 538 receiving yards, averaging a solid 14.5 yards per catch.

While he kept his status as a big-play engine downfield—highlighted by a season-long 52-yard grab and 198 yards after the catch—he only found the end zone once all year.

“I think when we looked at the whole body of work we felt like Sam had done more [in terms of executing the offense],” the head coach stated. Insider Todd Archer also revealed that Schotty does not rule out the possibility of bringing Milton back to the practice squad if he clears waivers, although it is also a decision that the QB will have to consider.

The support from the coaching staff for the former Tennessee Volunteers player was outstanding, even though their paths may not remain together in the short term. “I think Joe is going to be a terrific player in this league,” Schottenheimer said.

Milton’s numbers that failed to convince

Joe Milton III put up solid box-score numbers during the Cowboys’ preseason action, completing 29 of 43 passes (67.4%) for 378 yards, three passing touchdowns, and no interceptions, while adding 12 carries for 14 yards and a rushing touchdown.

Despite showing off his cannon arm and accounting for four total scores, his play lacked the overall consistency and down-to-down accuracy the coaching staff wanted to see.

As of now, only one backup for Prescott in Dallas

With just a few days remaining before the start of a new NFL season, one of the teams generating the most excitement, as usual, is the Dallas Cowboys. The staff led by Brian Schottenheimer will enter Week 1 with only Dak Prescott and Sam Howell available at quarterback.

Will the Cowboys bring in a new QB?

The short QB room in America’s Team could indicate that a new addition may be on the way. However, for now, it is unknown whether the Cowboys will bring in a new quarterback in the short term, although no options have been ruled out.

A new hope in Dallas

Names like CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens make up the offense of a team with serious aspirations of reaching the Super Bowl. To achieve that, they will have to get off to a strong start in an NFL season that promises to be highly competitive.

• Week 1, at New York Giants (September 13)
• Week 2, vs Washington Commanders (September 20)
• Week 3, vs Baltimore Ravens (September 27)
• Week 4, at Houston Texans (October 4)
• Week 5, vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers (October 8)

“I play ball. I’m just ready to play ball. I’m looking for any opportunity. I haven’t played in two years, so anything is good for me,” the running back revealed during a recent conversation with the press.

Lloyd arrived at Lambeau Field after being selected with the 88th overall pick in the third round of the 2024 Draft, coming out of the USC Trojans. In the 2026 NFL season, he will have the opportunity to show the staff that he is made to be the Packers’ RB1.

Lloyd and his support for Jacobs

Jacobs’ influence within the team is important not only from a sporting standpoint but also on an emotional level. Lloyd revealed that he was a key figure during an important part of his career, so he expressed his respect for his teammate as he goes through this situation.

“I feel for him. He’s a brother forever…what he’s going through, we’re going through it with him,” Lloyd said. “I don’t know what’s going on, but that’s my brother, so I just gotta stay on that forever. He’s helped me when I was in the worst part of my life really when I was going through those last two years.”

The Packers’ backfield has been decimated

The situation involving Jacobs has left one of the team’s biggest stars unavailable to the staff at the start of the season. In fact, after being placed on the NFL commissioner exempt list, the status of No. 8 remains uncertain.

As a result, the backfield in Green Bay has been reduced to just three names. The first of them is the aforementioned Lloyd, followed by Chris Brooks and, finally, Kaleb Johnson.

The pitcher, who also spent time with the Chicago White Sox, has a 2.92 ERA and a .159 BAA in three starts since being called up to Triple-A. The BoSox are strengthening their pitching staff, as they cannot afford to lose ground to the New York Yankees in the AL East.

The series against the Mariners began with a narrow 9-8 victory, and securing another win will be crucial. The Tampa Bay Rays continue to lead their division, so Boston will look to secure a Wild Card spot in some way.

More moves in Boston

With just a handful of games remaining in the regular season, the Red Sox do not want to leave anything to chance. Looking ahead to what is coming, some players will be unavailable for Chad Tracy’s team.

The team reinstated Isiah Kiner-Falefa from the 60-day IL, in addition to designating Brett Harris for assignment. Finally, Eduardo Rivera was recalled from Triple-A Worcester and, due to a lumbar strain, was placed on the 60-day IL.

What’s next for Boston in the short term?

With a solid 75-63 record, the Red Sox are entering the final stretch with just 24 games remaining. Right now, they’re wrapping up a quick two-game series at home against the Seattle Mariners at Fenway Park (Sept 1–2).

Immediately after, they hit the road for a key four-game divisional clash against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards (Sept 3–6), before heading back to Fenway to host the Los Angeles Angels for a three-game set (Sept 7–9).

“He’ll be in that receiver group. He’ll be rotating in, different personnel groups, and he’ll be playing,” the HC recently revealed to the press. It will be a matter of seeing whether OBJ will ultimately have a more prominent role as the weeks go by.

Malik Nabers is the main weapon at the LWR position, and only a physical setback could cause him to lose the spot. With a new season just around the corner, Beckham Jr. will have to step up his efforts if he wants to break into the starting lineup at some point.

The importance of the Giants’ receiving corps

The G-Men’s offense is expected to be a major strength this season, with Jaxson Dart relying heavily on his receivers. At full strength, this unit could become a nightmare for opposing teams starting in Week 1.

Malachi Fields and Darnell Mooney join Nabers as the main options in the passing game. In addition, veteran Darius Slayton is another player who will be part of the rotation, likely with a role similar to OBJ’s.

Harbaugh’s first challenges in New York

Harbaugh will make his debut as the Giants’ new head coach, marking a new experience for him in the NFL after a lengthy career with the Baltimore Ravens. His coaching methodology is making its way to East Rutherford, where he will look to implement his football philosophy starting in Week 1.

The debut will be far from easy, although playing at home could perhaps give them an extra boost. On September 13, the Big Blue will host the Dallas Cowboys at the iconic MetLife Stadium.

What comes next will not be an easy task either. The Giants will visit SoFi Stadium to face the Los Angeles Rams, followed by two consecutive home games against the Tennessee Titans and Arizona Cardinals, before hitting the road again for a divisional matchup in Week 5 against the Washington Commanders.

“I’m gonna do that until proven otherwise,” the head coach reaffirmed his trust on Jacobs per The Athletic‘s Matt Schneidman. The outlook for the player does not seem promising in the short term.

On the other hand, Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst said they’re going to “lean on the legal process” and “take things as they come.” It will be a matter of seeing, as the days go by, what will ultimately happen with No. 8 and his future with the franchise.

Jacobs out of the Packers’ active roster

The Packers’ facilities were thrown into turmoil recently after it was revealed that Jacobs had been placed on the NFL commissioner exempt list. Matt LaFleur’s plans ahead of the start of a new season were disrupted because he will be unable to count on his biggest star in the backfield until further notice.

The coach now has only three options for Jordan Love to have a running game ally. The first of them is MarShawn Lloyd, while further down the depth chart are the names of Chris Brooks and Kaleb Johnson.

A new hope for Green Bay

Matt LaFleur will have to redesign his offense with the 2026 NFL season in mind. The Packers want to reclaim the NFC North, and to do so, they will have to get off to a strong start.

• Week 1, at Minnesota Vikings (September 13)
• Week 2, at New York Jets (September 20)
• Week 3, vs Atlanta Falcons (September 24)
• Week 4, at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (October 4)
• Week 5, vs Chicago Bears (October 11)

“I have an opportunity to rewrite some of the last bit of the chapter,” Beckham Jr. revealed to the press. “Don’t know, last year, whatever it is, I just know I’m going to give my all. But definitely had that moment where it was like you could let out some of the pain that I feel like I went through. It was just very healing, very emotional, something I was very happy about.”

Whether OBJ will wear the Giants’ No. 13 jersey remains to be determined. What is certain, however, is that Odell will look to make an impact alongside the G-Men and put them in the conversation as contenders in the NFC East.

OBJ’s last stint with the Giants

In his final ride with Big Blue back in 2018, OBJ still put on a show despite missing the last four games with a quad injury. He racked up 77 receptions for 1,052 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns across 12 games, consistently making defenses look weak.

Plus, because he was just built differently, he even casually threw for two passing touchdowns that season. It was a classic high-octane Odell stretch right before he packed his bags for the Cleveland Browns.

OBJ will face healthy competition in the receiving corps

John Harbaugh ultimately decided to keep five receivers to take on what is expected to be a tough 2026 NFL season. Among them, Odell is somewhat behind the others, although his experience and talent could help him earn a more prominent role than expected.

Malik Nabers, Malachi Fields, and Darnell Mooney will be the main options through the air for Jaxson Dart. Meanwhile, the aforementioned OBJ, as well as Darius Slayton, will have to be ready to step up and fulfill their duties when needed.

The Giants’ long-awaited debut

One of the teams generating the most excitement this season is undoubtedly the Giants. Harbaugh will make his debut in this new chapter of his career in a marquee matchup. It will take place on Sunday, September 13, against the Dallas Cowboys, in a Sunday Night Football game at MetLife Stadium.

“Going back to the press conference, when the question was asked, I didn’t really quite understand the word that was used,” he said, via Arizona Sports. “I’m never going to stop loving my fans and that’s what I want them to understand.”

During a press conference, Marte was asked if he had any kind of message for the fans following his injury. The player, in silence, shook his head to indicate that he did not, something that clearly did not sit well with the D-Backs fanbase.

It is well known how important the Dominican second baseman is to Torey Lovullo’s team. It will be a matter of seeing how the games unfold to determine whether the relationship between both sides can be repaired during a crucial stretch of the 2026 MLB season.

Lovullo wasn’t surprised by Marte being booed

Ketel Marte’s arrival on the field before the game against the Philadelphia Phillies was far from easy. The team’s manager revealed that the boos did not surprise him, but said that his player rose to the occasion.

“I think he handled it very well,” the manager said, according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale. Marte’s experience allowed him to rise above the situation, which he will have to somehow remedy moving forward.

Marte’s performance against the Phillies

In his return to the lineup, Ketel Marte gave the Diamondbacks a slight spark in their late-game comeback push against the Phillies. After drawing a free pass in the sixth, he came through with a base hit in the eighth, though Arizona ultimately fell just short in a tight 2-1 loss.

At the beginning of July, Vientos suffered a fracture in his right hand during a game against the Kansas City Royals after being hit by a pitch from starter Michael Wacha. From that point on, he remained sidelined in Queens.

Green now gets his experienced infielder back, giving him a chance to regain his rhythm and playing form down the stretch. The No. 27 wants to return to his best form and shift his focus toward what lies ahead for the Mets.

More changes for the Mets

The Mets’ roster saw another change following a new departure. In this case, and according to announcements from the clubs’ official accounts, Luis Robert Jr. was claimed off waivers, with the Baltimore Orioles becoming his new destination.

The center fielder has been quietly locked in over this past month, putting up a strong .267 AVG across 75 at-bats with some legit pop. He crushed 6 home runs and drove in 11 runs, fueling a heavy .520 SLG and an elite .841 OPS. Backed by a healthy .321 OBP and a 128 wRC+, he’s been making high-impact contact and driving the offense as a well-above-average run producer.

What can Vientos’ return bring to the Mets’ lineup?

Early this season, Mark Vientos was putting up modest numbers, hitting .211 with 11 home runs, 35 RBIs, and a .644 OPS over 73 games. With the Mets gearing up for the stretch run, his return injects much-needed power and versatility at third base, first base, or DH.

If he brings any of that crazy rehab momentum from Triple-A—where he launched five homers in just five games—his bat in the middle of the lineup could be huge for driving in key runs down the stretch.

The Mets’ next challenges

Sitting at a tough 61-76 record and locked into last place in the NL East, the Mets are heading into September looking to finish the year on a high note. Up first, they close out a road trip visiting Tropicana Field to wrap up a series against the Tampa Bay Rays, before returning to Citi Field for a three-game weekend set against the San Francisco Giants.

After making the 53-man roster, the rookie earned the coaching staff’s trust and will have a role as an alternative to Smith. The depth chart currently has no other names at the position, although additional moves to strengthen the quarterback room have not been ruled out.

The Jets will enter their second season with Glenn as head coach, looking to make their mark in what once again appears to be a competitive AFC East. The head-to-head matchups with the Miami Dolphins will be crucial, while the possibility of securing a potential wild-card spot will be contested alongside the New England Patriots and Buffalo Bills.

Klubnik impressed during the preseason

Cade Klubnik, drafted in the fourth round out of the Clemson Tigers, got a lot of snaps this preseason, putting up a mixed run across three games where he completed 21 of 34 passes for roughly 190–197 yards with no touchdowns and one interception. After starting with a brief outing against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he took charge of the offense during a 17-0 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, going 10-of-14 for 75 yards while adding a 16-yard run to lead a pair of scoring drives.

Things hit a rough patch in the finale against the New York Giants, where he played the entire first half under constant pressure, finishing 6-for-13 for 59 yards and a pick in a 23-6 loss. Despite that rocky finish, he did enough overall to convince the staff.

New York wants to get off to a strong start

The Jets want to finally establish themselves as the top team in their division after several years of disappointing seasons. Now, they are putting their faith in Geno Smith, who arrived from the Las Vegas Raiders bringing a fresh sense of optimism to the Big Apple.

The start of the season does not sound encouraging at all, as the Jets will not only face direct tough rivals on the road but will also host high-caliber teams at MetLife Stadium. These are the first five games for Aaron Glenn’s squad.

• Week 1, at Tennessee Titans (September 13)
• Week 2, vs Green Bay Packers (September 20)
• Week 3, at Detroit Lions, (September 27)
• Week 4, at Chicago Bears (October 4)
• Week 5, vs Cleveland Browns (October 11)

It will be interesting to see what position John Harbaugh uses him at if needed. According to The Athletic’s Dan Duggan on X, the G-Men don’t have another viable punt returner on the roster, making this a potential role for Berrios.

Fate seems to be bringing both sides back together for the 2026 NFL season. In this league, second chances are often part of the game, and that is exactly what happened with this team, which has serious aspirations of reaching the Super Bowl.

More returns for the Giants

The moves on Harbaugh’s team went beyond the final roster cuts. According to insider Dan Duggan on his X account, six more players are returning to the Giants’ practice squad:

• WR Dalen Cambre
• WR Jalin Hyatt
• S Raheem Layne
• FB Grant Finley
• DL Josh Tupou
• QB Jake Haener

Dalen Cambre has had a strong preparation period alongside the rest of the team, so it makes sense that he has returned, although in a different role. Eventually, the receiving corps will need his help throughout the year, just like Jalin Hyatt, who fought until the very end to earn his spot.

Haener’s situation can be explained by the limited number of quarterbacks New York kept after the final roster cuts. The veteran will now be an option behind Jaxson Dart and Jameis Winston if needed.

How the Giants’ receiving corps shaped up

The wait is finally over, and we now know which players will represent New York in the upcoming NFL season. Odell Beckham Jr. finally earned a spot on the Giants’ 53-man roster, which will feature five talented wide receivers.

Darius Muasau heads to Foxborough

Linebacker Darius Muasau was waived by the Giants and, according to ESPN’s Jordan Raanan on X, the New England Patriots have claimed him off waivers. The insider also added that New York did not claim any players through the waiver process.

“I think, definitely belongs in the conversation right now, with the guy who pitched last night for us. I know there’s other good rookies throughout the game,” the interim manager started.

“I think Carson, throughout the year, shows the ability to bounce back from tough moments really well. A really talented hitter, can hit any pitch at any time. Even as he goes through funks, he maintains the right perspective and the right attitude and the right approach.”

From a team standpoint, the Mets’ season has not gone as planned, even with the constant injuries they have dealt with. Still, based on Green’s comments, it appears there is plenty of reason for optimism about the future with Benge’s talent leading the way.

Benge’s outstanding season with the Mets

Carson Benge has been an absolute breath of fresh air in Queens this year, proving he belongs on the big stage from day one. Slashing around .278 with 16 home runs, 54 RBIs, and nearly 20 stolen bases, he’s shown off a rare tool set that separates him from the typical first-year player.

What really sets Benge apart is his elite dual-threat versatility and poise under pressure—ranking near the top of the league in both base-running efficiency and raw outfield arm strength while delivering clutch hits, like his walk-off knock back in May.

Rather than looking like a newcomer adjusting to big-league pitching, he’s stepped right in as a complete, multi-dimensional playmaker that Queens can build around for years to come.

Great appearances this 2026 MLB season

This year’s Rookie of the Year race features standout talent pushing hard down the stretch. In the AL, Kevin McGonigle (Detroit Tigers) leads as an all-around star with elite defense and discipline, challenged by Parker Messick (Cleveland Guardians) and Munetaka Murakami (Chicago White Sox).

Over in the NL, JJ Wetherholt (St. Louis Cardinals) makes his case with Gold Glove-caliber defense and on-base prowess, while Sal Stewart (Cincinnati Reds) counters with heavy run production in the heart of the lineup.

These statistics could change, as Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to continue playing for Portugal. Two legends who have given 100% for their countries, and the end of an era that appears to be drawing near.

The reasons behind Messi’s decision

The latest defeat in the 2026 World Cup final against Spain was a major blow for Messi, who was later revealed to have played in the tournament while his father was in poor health. Following Jorge’s passing, the No. 10 felt that it was time to bring his career with La Albiceleste to an end, closing out a career filled with remarkable achievements.

That August 17, 2005, will forever be remembered in history as the date when Lionel Messi made his official debut for the Argentina national team. Twenty-one years later, his legacy will live on forever in the eyes of fans of this sport.

Ronaldo still wants more with Portugal

Although after Portugal’s 2026 World Cup exit Ronaldo said that it would be his final appearance in the tournament, he hasn’t retired from international duty yet. Therefore, CR7 is expected to join his teammates during the next FIFA international break.

It includes six matches, all of them corresponding to the UEFA Nations League. These are the final games the Portuguese national team will play in 2026:

• vs Wales, September 24
• at Norway, September 27
• at Denmark, October 1
• vs Norway, October 4
• vs Denmark, November 14
• at Wales, November 17

“After all this time since the final, and after thinking about it a lot, I want to tell everyone that I’m retiring from the national team…It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep inside, but I understand that this is the right moment,” he started.

Messi, who is under contract with Inter Miami through 2028, made it clear that he gave everything he had for his national team: “I swear I always gave everything, not only in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too. I always fought and gave everything for this shirt, to bring you happiness and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football.”

The statement, in which Messi also expressed his excitement about the talent for the future, ended with a clear and emphatic message: “I wrote these words on July 21, two days after the final. Today, after what happened with my dad, I’m even more convinced of this decision than before.“

His post quickly filled with messages of gratitude as well as support. One of the greatest idols in the history of Argentine sports is bringing his career in the sky blue and white jersey to an end.

An emotional look back at Messi’s Argentina national team career

Lionel Messi also chose to accompany his words with an emotional video on his Instagram account. It shows a young No. 10 declaring what his dream was, the painful defeats, as well as the ultimate glory of wearing his country’s jersey.

Often compared to Cristiano Ronaldo, who appears likely to continue playing for Portugal for some time, Messi emerged as one of the greatest footballers in history, not only statistically but also through his influence.

Among the greatest in history

“May the laurels that we knew how to win be eternal,” reads part of the Argentine national anthem. Messi carried these words as his banner and managed to take his national team to the very top on several occasions.

• FIFA World Cup: Qatar 2022
• Copa America: Brazil 2021 and USA 2024
• Finalissima: Wembley 2022 (3-0 win against Italy)
• Olympic Gold Medal: Beijing 2008 Olympic Games (U-23 Team)
• FIFA U-20 World Cup: Netherlands 2005